After Dental Implant Surgery

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingiva (gums).

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off), as often as possible, for the first 24 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. If prescribed, make sure to take the Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) on the prescribed schedule for best results. For severe pain, the prescribed narcotic pain medication should be taken as directed. It is best to avoid taking this medication on an empty stomach, as it could cause nausea and/or vomiting. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take antibiotics as directed, if prescribed, to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Beginning the morning after surgery, warm salt-water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be gently used at least four to five times a day, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth with the healing abutments is not a problem. Be gentle initially when brushing the surgical areas.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing Your Prosthesis

Follow the instructions given by your doctor, and your dentist.